I play LAN games with friends every week and recently got them to try F2P EQ2 for our weekly thing. SoE unlocking all of the classes was nice of them. They are unfortunately the epitome of casual gamers.

In between sessions I, more or less, learn their classes and set up their characters for them. I make them mega-macros when it makes sense, I make them stealth combo macros where needed. Even so, it seems like it's still too hard for them to enjoy(as much as I do). Maybe I'm just too advanced even playing an archtype I've never played before and I rush through explanations too quickly. I'm having trouble figuring out where the real issue lies.

The point is that causal gamers apparently don't want three hotbars of abilities. I'm reminded of a different failure that I had with them. Magicka. One of the most interesting combat systems I have ever used in a game... single or multiplayer. If you've never played it... you have 8 elements that you can mix into 5 slots for each cast. Each cast requires you to press 1-to-10 keys before you use one of 4 ways to release the spell. Think you've found an uber combination? Press one of the keys wrong and maybe your death-beam will turn into a bunch of death mines that could go off in your face. Find opponents that are immune to the major element type and you have to completely rethink on how to kill them.

They didn't like it. They didn't like the complexity or the on-the-spot thinking that was required. They just wanted to know what combo was the best for every situation; then didn't like when the answer was a long one.

Those other MMOs probably get somewhere because they cater to the casual mindset. They don't cater to those of us who like the complexity... who like the control... who like that practice makes perfect. Despite the term casual, they probably offer up the most money. So that's what game companies do now. I can only hope that EverQuest Next doesn't do something stupid and follow suit. Just like they made EQ2 death penalties nothing and removed all "annoying" mechanics like traveling and reading.

stfu peon

01-09-2014, 12:39 AM

Soufwest

Re: How Combat Should Be

I push the same amount of buttons on my lvl 39 brigand as my 95 bl buffrat is just some fuck nut that cant suck up to the fact that bls are easy mode and will never be good at eq2 or math

01-09-2014, 12:42 AM

Stoya

Re: How Combat Should Be

Quote:

Originally Posted by Soufwest

I suck as bad on my lvl 39 brigand as my 95 bl and will never be good at eq2 or math

Is this what you meant to say?

01-09-2014, 12:47 AM

Soufwest

Re: How Combat Should Be

No

01-09-2014, 12:50 AM

Stoya

Re: How Combat Should Be

In that case, it's probably best to just shut up and let everybody think you're retarded instead of proving it.